HOW TO GET THERE
Kangaroo Island (“KI”) is Australia’s third-largest island in the state of South Australia. It is accessible via a 45 minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis (approximately two hours drive from Adelaide) or via a 30 minute flight from Adelaide Airport.
WHERE WE STAYED
We rented a sweet little beach house in the town of Kingscote. Chosen because of its amenities (ie. supermarket etc) however it does make for a long drive to the “nice” beaches every day! Next time we would reverse it, that is stay near a beautiful beach and drive to the shops! (Priorities after all!)
WHAT TO DO WITH CHILDREN
LITTLE SAHARA
Located near Vivonne Bay, Little Sahara is a naturally occuring dune system about 2kms long. The highest dune is approximately 70 metres high. Sandboarding or tobogganing down the dunes is a morning or afternoon well spent! However you must hire the toboggans as they have been especially designed for soft sand conditions and maximum speed! (Your boogey board just won’t cut it!)
STOKES BAY BEACH
If the weather is good, head straight out to Stokes Bay on the North Coast of the island. You’ll find this piece of paradise by meandering through the caves before reaching this breathtaking beach (just don’t pack too many heavy or bulky items as some of the gaps between the caves are narrow!).
There is a very large shallow area for the little ones to play, while the big kids can surf/boogey board in the nearby surf beach. With the Rockpool Cafe located near the carpark (serving seriously delicious food), you could literally spend the entire day at Stokes Bay. Very relaxing and highly recommended! Remember to pack wetsuits as the water is “refreshing” to say the least and we visited in the peak of Summer!
A boat ramp nearby allows for easy launching for a quick fish or maybe some dolphin spotting too.
EMU BAY BEACH
Another stunning beach and luckily only a short drive from Kingscote is Emu Bay Beach. One of the last beaches on Kangaroo Island where vehicle access is still permitted. Makes packing up the beach essentials a breeze, just park your car on the beach and set up for the day.
Emu Bay Beach after fishing and dolphin spotting on the boat
THOSE REMARKABLE ROCKS!
On the not-so-beachy days, a car trip to the Flinders Chase National Park is the perfect family activity.
Apparently it took 500 million years of rain, wind and pounding waves to create the signature landmark of shaped boulders. They have to be seen to be believed. A great chance to see the rich red dirt roads and koala spotting too!
OUR TOP TIPS
- Visit Vivonne Bay Beach, another breathtaking location!
- Watch the pelican feeding every night at 5:00pm in Kingscote, it’s hilarious!
- Make sure you pack lunch for your day trips as many towns such as Emu Bay do not have any food outlets at all.
- Also be mindful of supermarket opening hours as they are much more limited than in the cities.
- The Penny pub in Penneshaw for lunch or dinner comes recommended.
- Dudley Wines Cellar Door for a spectacular views and a wine or two!
- Visit Cliffords Honey Farm for the kids.
NEXT TIME WE VISIT
- We will stay at either Island Beach or Emu Bay Beach and just drive to the supermarket for supplies every few days. Saves driving long distances to the “beautiful” beaches every day.
- We will finally get to Snelling Beach and Island Beach as we sadly ran out of time! Too much to explore on such a beautiful island.
Until next time, safe travels!
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